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Angels partner for ACT initiative in Anaheim

Angels partner for ACT initiative in Anaheim

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In early September, the Angels and Anaheim City Council agreed to extend the Angels' stadium opt-out as late as 2019.

By Alden Gonzalez
/
MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- The Angels have teamed up with the Anaheim Ducks and the Disneyland Resort as founding members in the Accelerate Change Together for Anaheim initiative, a new, collaborative program that helps to address gaps in services for the city's underserved youth.

Earlier this year, the Disneyland Resort funded the Anaheim Youth Services Assessment, which highlighted areas of need for residents of Anaheim -- California's 10th largest city -- ages 5 to 18. That prompted the Disneyland Resort to develop ACT Anaheim, where the three organizations have committed $3 million over three years in funding for a multi-year grant program.

The program will launch this month, with a combined initial funding of $1 million from the three organizations. The Orange County Community Foundation will serve as managing partner.

News of the Angels' involvement comes amid talks with the city of Anaheim on Angel Stadium renovations and a potential lease extension. In early September, the Angels and Anaheim City Council agreed to extend the Angels' stadium opt-out as late as 2019, rather than '16, giving both sides additional time to negotiate a complex deal that would include extending the team's lease in the city until 2057.

"Giving back in our hometown is important to the Angels," Angels chairman Dennis Kuhl said in a statement released on Wednesday. "By combining resources and targeting our efforts, we can extend our reach and impact where it counts. Our sincere hope is that other private and corporate citizens will join ACT Anaheim as we target the youth most in need in Anaheim and help them create a stronger future."

Information on how to apply for ACT grants can be found at oc-cf.org/ACTAnaheim.